Attaching a trunk bag to your bike is the best way to increase storage capacity on your commutes, but which trunk bags are the best for long rides?
Riding a bike comes with a lot of benefits and also some drawbacks - with storage being a major problem for a lot of people. Accessorizing your bike with the right trunk bag can make all the difference in how practical and convenient it is to get from point A to point B.
The best bike trunk bags for long rides are:
- Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP
- Ibera Bike Trunk Bag
- Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag
- Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag
- Kolo Sports Bike Panniers
- Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag
- Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag
- BV Bike Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag
- ENGWE Bike Trunk Bag
- Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag
Bike riding has become an increasingly popular mode of transport, as it is better for the environment, saves gas money, and it keeps you in shape. However, traditional bikes are not designed for long-distance riding, and they lack utility for efficient commuting - especially when it comes to transporting items. Whether you need to haul groceries, office supplies, or gym necessities, bikes are simply not equipped with adequate storage. That is why a lot of cyclists optimize their bikes with trunk bags so that they can take care of all of their commuting solely by cycling. Trunk bags enable you to store all of your goods on the back of your bike without needing to carry a backpack or attach panniers. They are easy to install and will make your bike so much more versatile and practical. With that said, you need to pick the right trunk bag for your bike, as their characteristics can vary across the board. To help you understand this further, we are going to take you through the best bike trunk bags for long-distance rides.
After extensively researching bicycle accessories and cycling forums, I have been able to gather enough information to determine which bike trunk bags are the best for long-distance rides. My research has indicated that you should pick a bike trunk bag based on the amount of goods that you need to transport and what your riding style is.
1. Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP
Topeak is one of the most recognized brands in the cycling industry, and they are regarded for making quality bike accessories that are built to last. The Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is one of the best trunk bags on the market, and it is highly versatile and durable.
To start, the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is extremely weather-resistant. If you are a daily commuter and rely on your bike as your main form of transport, you can expect to run into some adverse weather conditions from time to time. The base material for this trunk bag is 600 denier polyester which will keep your belongings safe and secured on your rides.
If you are looking for a spacious trunk bag for your long-distance rides, the 36 x 25 x 21.5/29 cm dimensions of the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP should provide more than enough space to carry gear for commuting. Topeak designed this trunk bag with quality EVA foam that will give your items insulation and protection from impact.
This trunk bag is easy to remove, attach, and carry, as it features a top handle and a comfortable shoulder strap. The Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is expandable, and you can make it more compact by only using the main storage compartment. However, if you end up needing more space, you can easily expand the top or the side pockets to fit more items. In addition, there is a water bottle compartment on the side of the bag so that hydration is always within reach when you are cycling.
Safety was also one of Topeak’s focuses when they made this trunk bag which is why they designed it with 3mm reflective strips that can be seen in various places on the exterior. There is also a safety light clip that is perfect for attaching a rear light for night riding.
With that said, the best quality of the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP is that it takes versatility to a whole new level. A lot of riders are on the fence about whether they need to get panniers on top of their trunk bag, which is why Topeak designed this bike accessory to give riders the best of both worlds.
Once you expand the side pockets of the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP, you essentially have as much storage capacity as you would with most panniers. So, no need to overload your bike with unnecessary accessories, as this Topeak trunk bag has got you covered.
Topeak delivered nothing short of quality with their MTX Trunk Bag DXP. This is one of the most dynamic, versatile, and spacious bike trunk bags on the market, and it is made with excellent materials. With these specs and capabilities in mind, you can expect to have to pay a bit more for the Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP, as it is currently available for $110.
2. Ibera Bike Trunk Bag
The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is one of the most well-rounded options on the market, as it ticks every box for a long-distance bike ride. This trunk bag was specifically designed for commuting and bike rides to school, which is why it can carry over 20lbs of gear without losing any stability or security.
The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is made out of tough yet flexible 1680D nylon that is reinforced and padded to protect your fragile items. You can rest assured that your laptop and other electronics are going to be safe and secure inside the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag. There are also multiple pockets so that you can stay organized and create an optimized system for all of your items.
One of the best features of this trunk bag is that it has a quick-release system. Whether you are attaching it to your bike rack or removing it, you can take the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag on and off within seconds. This enables you to efficiently utilize your trunk bag without wasting time when you need to be on the move. Once you remove it from your bike, you can carry it with you wherever you need to go, thanks to the convenient padded shoulder strap.
The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag has a storage capacity of 17 liters, which makes it one of the most spacious products on our list. This bike accessory is very well constructed and there isn’t a single inch of space that is wasted or redundant. You can comfortably fit the Ibera Bike Trunk Bag on virtually any bicycle, and with a weight of just 2.3lbs, you know it's not going to slow you down when you are riding.
Few trunk bags can top the Ibera, as this bike accessory is loaded with dynamic storage compartments and is perfect for anyone who needs to haul gear on daily commutes. The Ibera Bike Trunk Bag is on sale at a very reasonable price of just $60 - making it a solid option for the budget shopper.
3. Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag
If you are looking for a versatile and stylish trunk bag for your bike, the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is a great option to consider. This trunk bag has ample storage capacity, but its top quality is how convenient it is to be used as a shoulder bag when you dismount your bike.
The Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag features straps that you can quickly and easily fasten onto your bike rack. After removing this trunk bag from your bike, you can carry it using either the handle or the shoulder strap, which you can adjust to fit your size. The Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is sporty and fashionable so it is hardly recognizable as a bike accessory when you are on the go.
This trunk bag has a storage capacity of 13 liters, and its dimensions are 16 x 40 x 20 inches - making it spacious yet compact so that it is not an invasive accessory on your bike. The main compartment of the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is where you will keep the bulk of your gear but you can also utilize the 2 side pockets and back pocket for your smaller items.
In addition, the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag features an elastic band on the top, which is perfect for strapping a water bottle. This is a sporty and dynamic bike trunk bag that is a good fit for the daily commuter but also a nice option for a rider that wants something stylish which could easily be mistaken for a gym bag.
I also really like that this trunk bag is equipped with some features to make bike riding safer at night. The Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag has a reflective strip that will make you more visible to cars on the road and it even has a convenient clip that you can attach a rear light. This is a bike trunk bag that is perfect for casual commuting, fitness riding, and any cyclist who is shopping on a budget, as you can pick up the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag for a mere $30.
4. Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag
The Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag is not the most spacious option on the market but it is certainly one of the most stylish and versatile. This is a perfect option for the casual commuter that needs to ride their bike to work or school, as the sleek aesthetic and compact design make it appear like any other hand-back or compact backpack.
Multipurpose is the name of the game when it comes to the Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag. Instead of making a trunk bag that can fit every item on your grocery list, Roswell focused on designing a bike accessory that is practical and not over bulky for urban cycling.
This bike trunk bag is made of quality 300D polyester and PU leather, which is durable and weather resistant. The interior is lined with HDPE board and rigid EVA foam that will ensure your belongings are safe and not damaged from minor impacts.
Despite the Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag being quite small, you can surprisingly fit a lot of items inside, as it has an 8-liter storage capacity. This Roswell trunk bag also features 4 velcro straps that make it very easy to attach and remove from your bike rack to keep you from wasting time when you are on the go.
To increase the safety of the rider, this trunk bag also has reflective pieces that will shimmer when you are riding at night or in low light settings. The majority of people that opt for the Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag are casual commuters but this is also a great bike for fitness riders. The compact nature of this trunk bag makes it a perfect size for carrying fitness essentials when you are going to the gym.
This trunk bag can be purchased in two different sizes - with a 7 and an 8-liter option available. Depending on the size that you choose for your Roswheel Convertible Bike Trunk Bag, the price is either $36 or $39, which makes it affordable for budget shoppers.
5. Kolo Sports Bike Panniers
If you are looking for a bike trunk bag that is ready for anything, the Kolo Sports Bike Panniers is a product that is perfect for dynamic commuting and adventure cycling. This bike trunk bag is remarkably spacious for its size and features a variety of different pockets and compartments to ensure that you stay organized.
There are 3 zippered pockets - 1 for your primary storage and 2 for additional items. This Kolo Sports bike trunk bag is also equipped with a pocket for your water bottle which you can secure with a drawstring closure.
This is a small bike accessory that is lightweight and durable. You will not be able to fit as many items into this Kolo Sports trunk bag, but the 14 x 9 x 7-inch size and 5-liter storage capacity will suit casual commuters and trail cyclists perfectly. Fitness riders and long-distance cyclists that want a trunk bag that will not diminish performance often opt for this product because it weighs just a mere 1.4lbs.
You can also adapt this bike trunk bag in some ways to make it even more versatile. If you are not planning on using this bike accessory as a handbag during your commute, you can remove the shoulders trap to give it a more minimalistic aesthetic. In addition, you can make this trunk bag easier to fold and store by removing the internal padding.
Attaching and removing the Kolo Sports Bike Panniers is incredibly easy thanks to the two velcro straps, which you can administer in seconds. The manufacturer also added multiple safety features to this product such as the reflective trim and the ‘Kolo Sports’ logo, which will also make you more visible when riding in low light settings.
If you are still not sold on this bike trunk bag, it was designed with a material that makes it waterproof. The next time that you get hit by rain while riding, you can rest assured that your items are going to stay dry and safe from moisture. This quality alone makes this Kolo Sports trunk bag suitable for adventure cycling and touring.
Lastly, Kolo Sports designed this product to be affordable for all riders, which is why you can pick it up for a very reasonable price of just $35.
6. Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag
Bushwhacker is a reputable company that makes quality outdoor gear and their Mesa Trunk Bag is a solid option for any long-distance cyclist that values storage capacity and versatility.
To start, the Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag can store up to 12 liters worth of gear but when unloaded, it remarkably weighs just 1.39lbs. The interior of this trunk bag is fully padded and your items will be protected from minor impacts while you are out cycling. Aside from the primary storage compartment, Bushwhacker designed this trunk bag to have two spacious side pockets, as well as a compact top pouch.
Strapping and removing the Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag on and off your bike is very easy. Simply wrap the straps around the outer rail of your bike rack and your trunk bag will be secure for your ride. Once you hop off your bike, you can carry the Bushwhacker Mesa Trunk Bag using either the back handle or the shoulder strap. If you decide that you want to minimize the look of your trunk bag, you can remove the should strap and use it as a carry bag.
Bushwhacker designed the Mesa Trunk Bag with 600 denier polyester fabric, which is not only durable but also water-resistant depending on the intensity of the weather conditions that you are riding in. With that said, Bushwhacker has not officially listed this as a waterproof product, so you should always take caution when riding in rainy conditions - especially if you are transporting electronic items.
Durability is something that Bushwacker focused on with this trunk bag which is why you will find that each component and feature is built to last. The zippers, outer material, and inner padding are all made with quality materials and if you treat this trunk bag with respect, it could easily last you a lifetime.
To increase rider safety, there are reflective straps on both the sides and the back of the bag. In addition, there is a clip so that you can attach your rear light to the bag without needing to find a spot on your bike. With all of these specs in mind, I was surprised that this top-notch bike trunk bag is available for just $40.
7. Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag
If you are the kind of rider that enjoys adventure cycling, the Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag should be at the top of your list. This trunk bag is perfect for getting out and about on long-distance rides that are rough and rugged.
The storage options of this bike trunk bag are very one-dimensional, but that is actually perfect for certain riding activities. The Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag features a single large primary compartment that can fit as much as 13 liters. Although this product does have an additional top pouch and side pocket, they are not going to be useful for carrying much besides a pair of riding glasses and a road map, as they are quite small.
The top of the trunk bag does have an elastic strap that is ideal for carrying a water bottle or other durable items. If you are riding with this bike trunk bag fully unloaded, it weighs just a mere 0.7lbs!
One of the biggest selling points of the Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag is how well insulated it is. You can transport drinks and food items with you when riding and it will keep their temperature stable for hours. This means that you can enjoy a cold drink when on the road or even a hot meal depending on what you decide to pack.
Unlike a lot of the bike trunk bags that we mentioned, this product is made out of canvas rather than polyester or nylon. This makes it very water-resistant so you can comfortably ride during wet conditions. With that said, if you want to make this trunk bag completely waterproof, you can put on the rain cover which comes included with the product.
In addition to the material being water-resistant, the Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag even has waterproof and dustproof zippers, to ensure that debris or moisture never gets into the contents of your trunk bag.
What a lot of cyclists like about the Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag is that it is available in a variety of different specs and sizes. Depending on what your riding needs are, you can choose to opt for the 11-liter or 7-liter size trunk bag. You can also buy the bag as either fully insulated or non-insulated.
Each trunk bag variation has a different price and you can pick one up for as little as $19 or as much as $24 based on the specs that you choose. All in all, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck bike trunk bags on the market.
8. BV Bike Commuter Carrier Trunk Bag
The BV Bike Commuter Carrier is the ultimate trunk bag for long-distance riders that want something compact. This is a sporty and well-constructed trunk bag that is perfect for casual commuters and fitness riders.
When designing this trunk bag, the goal of the manufacturer was to keep things lightweight and efficient so that riders can quickly access gear and remove the trunk bag from their rack in seconds. The velcro straps make attaching and dismounting this trunk bag very easy and practical. Once you attach the BV Bike Commuter Carrier to your rack, you will find that it is incredibly sturdy and feels secure when you ride.
Unlike some trunk bags which are prone to wobbling and moving around when you cycle. The BV Bike Commuter Carrier is 100% fastened, which not only adds a sense of security for your belongings but also ensures that your speed and performance do not diminish when you are on the move.
This trunk bag comes with a handle, as well as a shoulder strap so that you can carry it in more ways than one. Although the style of the BV Bike Commuter Carrier resembles a normal backpack, it is still carried like a handbag. This makes this a versatile product that you can use on its own - without even needing to cycle, as it has a design that is perfect for casual daily use.
The BV Bike Commuter Carrier comes equipped with multiple compartments for storage. You can keep your primary items in the main compartment and utilize the sides for carrying smaller goods. I really liked that the water bottle pocket, located at the back of the trunk bag, is very easy to access. In addition, there is a side strap that is perfect for attaching a travel bike pump so that you can resolve any flats you encounter quickly and easily.
Riders looking for a smaller trunk bag are going to like this product as the main compartment is just 12 in x 4-6.75 in x 5.5 in, which is ideal for carrying running shoes, office supplies, or a packed lunch. Much like with the last trunk bag that we mentioned, the BV Bike Commuter Carrier is also one of the best budget options on the market and you can pick one up for just $24.
9. ENGWE Bike Trunk Bag
ENGWE designed their Bike Trunk Bag for riders that are on the move all year round. If you find yourself riding in extreme heat, intense rain, dust, snow, or all of the above, the ENGWE Bike Trunk Bag is going to ensure that your items stay safe and secured.
This bike trunk bag is made out of tough polyester fiber which is a very weatherproof material that is ideal for adventure cycling and anyone carrying sensitive equipment. If you are not riding in adverse weather conditions, you may even prefer this product over a lot of the other trunk bags that we mentioned simply because it is guaranteed to keep your items dry - especially if you need to transport electronics.
The ENGWE Bike Trunk Bag has a mid-sized storage capacity which strikes a perfect balance between some of the largest and smallest trunk bags on our list. The overall dimensions are 11.6 x 6.5 x 4.7 inches - resulting in a rectangular-shaped trunk bag that has a primary large storage compartment.
In addition, there are some other pouches and pockets that are suitable for storing small items. On top of the trunk bag, there are elastic bands that are great for additional storage, particularly a water bottle.
This is not the most dynamic trunk bag on our list but it certainly is one of the most secure products for dealing with adverse weather conditions. You can pick up this weather-resistant bike trunk bag for just $25.
10. Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag
The Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is a stylish and comfortable trunk bag with a large storage capacity that is perfect for a variety of different riders. This is a multi-purpose trunk bag and it features multiple pockets, compartments, and pouches that amount to a storage capacity of 13 liters.
In addition to the various storage options that you get with this trunk bag, Lixada equipped it with elastic bands for your water bottle so that you can carry even more items inside of your primary compartments.
One of the main selling points of this bike trunk bag is how versatile it is. Unlike a lot of trunk bags on the market which obviously look like bicycle accessories, this product looks just like any other handbag that you would carry around.
The aesthetic of the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag is stylish and it is available in a variety of colors, which are all quite bright and noticeable. This was an intentional characteristic of the design to make the trunk bag more visible and reflective in low light conditions - increasing the safety of the rider.
Installing this trunk bag onto your bike is very easy and you can attach and remove it to your rack effortlessly. The material used in the design of this bike is a high-quality polyester that is durable and even quite weather-resistant. However, you should not count on this trunk bag for adverse weather conditions.
A lot of people that buy this trunk bag end up using it for a lot more than just cycling, as it is perfect for activities such as hiking, commuting, picnicking, and beach trips. You can pick up the Lixada Bicycle Rack Bag for just $30, which is a solid price for how versatile this product is.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bike Trunk Bag
There are a lot of great bike trunk bags on the market and it can be challenging to decide on just one product. As you weigh out your options, you should consider exactly how you want to use your trunk bag.
Naturally, this will have a lot to do with your riding style and riding activities. Are you simply looking for a trunk bag that is suitable for casual commuting? A product that is rough, rugged, and ready for adventure cycling? Or perhaps, all of the above?
To help you with your decision-making, we are going to list some critical factors that you should consider when buying a bike trunk bag.
Storage Capacity
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is how much gear/goods you want to be able to carry. Riders who use their bikes as a primary mode of transport often find themselves going to work, grocery shopping, and running errands all in one day.
If that is the case, you are going to want to pick a trunk bag that has the adequate storage capacity to support everything that you need to haul around with you on your busy commutes. Much is the same for adventure cyclists that need to carry large amounts of gear on long-distance tours, as a lack of storage implies that you will need to buy additional accessories such as panniers - or force you to improvise your setup altogether.
On the other hand, if you are a fitness rider, increased storage capacity could potentially be a drawback. Keeping weight to a minimum and creating an optimal and efficient system that can support all of your fitness essentials is all you need.
Material
The material that your bag is made out of will influence what you can and cannot do with your trunk bag. Some materials are considerably more durable than others and if you want your bike trunk bag to last, you should opt for something that is tough and designed for rugged use such as:
- Canvas
- Polyester
- PU Leather
- Nylon
In addition to durability, the material of the product is also going to influence how weather-resistant your trunk bag is. If you are an active rider, you are likely going to run into poor weather conditions from time to time. Having a trunk bag that is made with a water-resistant or even waterproof material can make a huge difference in how well you combat rain, as this will ensure that your items stay protected while cycling.
Versatility
If you are the type of rider who cycles for fitness, commuting, and adventure all in one, you want to pick a versatile trunk bag. The design of each trunk bag is different and you need to weigh out all specs carefully if versatility is a priority of yours. Keep an eye out for the following qualities:
- Ease of installation
- Weather-resistance
- Storage capacity
- Item weight
Your cycling activities should ultimately be the determining factor for how versatile your trunk bag is, as each cyclist has specific needs.
Comfort
Last but not least, comfort is a major selling point for a lot of people. Most riders that buy trunk bags remove them from their racks and then use them in their daily lives.
You need to keep in mind that you will most likely be carrying your trunk bag with you wherever you go and if it is uncomfortable to carry around, it will become a nuisance. If you are just using your trunk bag for long-distance trail cycling and adventure riding, a larger and bulkier product is not going to get in your way much.
However, if you need to haul your trunk bag into the office and other crowded spaces, a compact option is going to be much better suited. Choosing something stylish, equipped with a shoulder strap, and compact will ensure that you are always comfortable when carrying your trunk bag.